Lies That Bind

"Lies That Bind" is a great sequel in the Anastasia Phoenix series. While the first book had a lot of character building plus a big pace slow-down in the middle, this one has a smooth pace that keeps you easily reading throughout the book. Although the story isn't complete, this sequel didn't feel like an in-between book, but rather, told its own story. Here, Anastasia is staying in London with her crew- including her romantic interest Marcus. Determined to take down Department D, they embark on a journey to find other "Dresden kids"- kids who have been wronged by Department D, with the goal of collecting enough evidence to turn over to the CIA and shut it down for good.

Although it helps to have read the first book to really understand the characters, this book is set up well to be read a while after the first- everything from the first book is recapped well (not in too much detail, but just enough to remind you of what happened in the first). I really appreciated that, as it's not always easy to return to a series after some time. While this one maintains the teen-spy feel, it almost begins to feel more like a police procedural. Nothing comes out that is too surprising, but we follow the clues they gather to the end of the book.

The romance really builds well in this book, and although there is some teenager drama, it seems more natural here. The relationships are well done (not only between romantic interests, but between siblings, children, friends, etc.). The book moves really quickly overall and so it doesn't fixate on most of the side characters (there's one that I think maybe will pop up again in future books), but the plot is really driven forward here. More of the mysteries from the first come to light, and I think it advances the overall story really well. I look forward to seeing what Anastasia will do next!

Please note that I received an ARC from the publisher through netgalley. All opinions are my own.

I am in love with this book and I highly recommend checking it out!

Damn this book is awesome. Anastasia doesn't disappoint in this second book. I'm so looking forward to the 3rd and final book. When Anastasia and her little group come together to find the other Dresden kids who have been wronged. Little does she know someone is working against them. Plus when Marcus and her finally finds his brother, things just start getting crazy. Anastasia doesn't trust that Marcus's brother Antonio doesn't know anything nor is done with Department D. Her gut is telling her not to trust him, but then she doesn't trust anyone. Then rumors fly that her parents are alive and behind everything bad... What can she believe? The chase and adventure is on to get evidence that not only prove that department D is still running and won't stop.

After saving Keira, Anastasia finds herself unable to sit still. She feels like she's constantly having to keep one eye glancing back over her shoulder and that Department D is out to get her. For that reason, her instinct is to go into hiding, but all of that changes when a message is sent to her via the death of an old high-school friend.

With the help of Allen Cross and her friends, she realizes that Department D needs to come down. The only problem: she doesn't trust anyone. The lines start blurring for Anastasia and she finds her walls closing in as distrust forms for her friends. Anastasia can trust nobody but herself, but that isn't the way to bring down a corrupt place like Department D. Toss in the fact that her parents are most likely alive and Anastasia feels even more wary since her whole life has been a lie.

This was a thrilling sequel to PROOF OF LIES and I drank it up, page by page. I was so happy to have received an ARC since PROOF OF LIES was so good. I loved the mystery and The Godfather-like feel LIES THAT BIND presents and am enthralled by Diana Rodriguez Wallach's riveting writing.


Final Verdict: This was such an epic sequel to PROOF OF LIES and I would recommend it to fans of mystery, thrillers, The Godfather, and romance. This story is also about placing your feet back on the ground even though it feels like it's been ripped out from underneath you.